HISTAMINE INTOLERANCE

Genetic examination of fructose intolerance.

Hereditary fructose intolerance is an inherited disease that manifests itself as an inability to metabolize fructose and fruit sugars.

Analysis methods Availability Number of genes Test code Retail Price
PCR 3 – 4 weeks GHC 028 £ TBA

Detailed information

HIT can cause intolerance of some foods. Histamine is present in foods primarily due to the maturation and fermentation process as it is produced by the action of bacteria (bacterial decarboxylation) from the amino acid histidine. This is the cause of high histamine content in foods that are microbially produced, fermented or stored for a long time. Histamine cannot be destroyed by heat treatment or freezing.

In individuals with reduced DAO activity (histamine demineralization by enzyme diamine oxidase), the histamine degradation capacity is greatly reduced, which is why the consumption of high histamine foods can lead to the already mentioned intolerant reactions.

Histamine intolerance arises due to a disproportion between the supply of histamine and the ability of the organism to degrade it. This leads to a variety of allergic-like symptoms (flatulence, convulsions, diarrhea, headache, runny nose, severe breathing - as with asthma, low blood pressure, arrhythmias, urticaria, skin itching, etc.).

The genetic test of the four polymorphisms is intended for patients who have been shown to have reduced DAO enzyme activity and exhibit some symptoms in order to distinguish between primary (genetically) and secondary (possibly acquired) forms of histamine intolerance.

The examination is appropriate if:

  • You suffer from some of the clinical manifestations of histamine intolerance
  • You are experiencing reduced DAO activity (40-80 HDUs)
  • There is a family history of symptoms associated with HIT or reduced DAO activity

Who is the test suitable for?

Examination is appropriate if you experience symptoms similar to an allergic reaction when eating foods containing histamine. Foods containing the most histamine include fermented, fermented and canned foods, alcohol, ripened cheeses and sausages.

What can this test reveal?

Histamine intolerance syndrome is a disease currently affecting 2-3% of the population, more common in middle-aged women. The genetic test helps confirm or rule out the assumptions about the disease. It is advisable to combine the assay with the DAO enzyme (diaminooxidase).

The complete analysis of the results will be provided in a comprehensive report within 30 business days of sampling the DNA.

How does the test work?

Genetic examination is performed from your DNA, which can be obtained by swabbing from the oral cavity (buccal wiping of the inside of your mouth cheek - DNA isolation from oral mucosal cells). You can take the sample yourself in the comfort of your home and send it to our lab, or have your collection taken by your GP.

How is the test done?

You can order the test from attending your Doctor/GP, private clinic or online at ghcgenetics. co.uk. Once you have signed the informed consent form, either a swab of your mouth will be taken or a blood sample will be collected. Once the genetic analysis is finished, you or your Doctor/GP will receive a report with the results and based on these he/she will recommend suitable preventive measures.